Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece

Many of you have probably heard about the early 28 Abell starter drive but how many have seen this item. This is the an Abell starter drive, used on the very early Model As. I do not believe this drive is complete, I think there are a couple of springs and a spacer missing. The Ford Service Bulletins contain a drawing and some service information. I recently rediscovered this part in my collection of stuff I will never use. All my 28s had the 1/2" starter drive but with the later style bendix. It is an interesting item, if someone would need it for their early 28 project I may consider letting it go.

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Great photos Frank, thanks for posting.

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

I found 3 NOS Abell pinions at Hershey about 12 years ago, so I made the rest of the parts to complete them. Someday I will use one on my 28, just to see if they are troublesome as reported.

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Tom,
I think what is missing from the Abell shown above is 2 springs and a space. Is that correct and all that is missing?

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Tom I have one on each of my 28 cars and have no problems at all..The only difference is when you engage it the sound is louder with a heavy clunk !!..

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Yes, the spacer is actually a concave part for the lightweight spring to compress inside, so it doesn't get damaged from the pressure. I posted very detailed pictures years ago, and they may show up on a Google search, such as: "Tom Wesenberg Abell"

Re: Rare Very Early 28 Abell starter drive Conversation Piece
 

Tom,
Thanks. If I found the correct pictures you referenced above they were detailed as you said but very blurry.


Thanks
Frank